Remember the first set of letters you received? Look down; picture them on the shirt you’re wearing now. Think of what it meant to get those letters: The long nights with your sisters, happy or sad. Think of all the people that came before you wearing them. Think of all the people that will wear them after you in the future.
But first, look back to before you had them – not too long before, but only just. The very second you put your pen on that dotted line, the second you ran into your sister's arms and took that photo, those letters became a part of who you are, who you want to be and who you will become. These letters are branded across your chest. Forever. It’s a commitment that you made to yourself, your sisters and the 1,000 of other women who once fell in love when they signed that dotted line.
Now, from the moment you wake up until long after you’re asleep, you’re wearing those letters. You’re wearing the pride and mistakes and triumphs and failures of every person who has worn those letters before you, but every one of your sisters also wears yours.
Putting these letters on can be one of the most positive experiences in your life if you let it. What you need to know is that Greek life is a consuming love, it is the ultimate dumpee, the moment you feel like it is becoming too much and you think you can not stick to your values or your word, your chapter will understand and remind you of everything you stand for and your chapter will always love you back.
First, you need to remember that you are the exception and the rule. You are a complete and perfect representation of your chapter, one that people will use as an example, because you may be the only experience they have with Greek life, your chapter or any in general.
Are you going to be the supportive, involved example who takes on leadership roles, excels in philanthropy, and still has a social life? Or are you going to be the example that doesn’t go to class, doesn’t know what moderation means or goes against your chapters values?
So before you sign that dotted line before you go out on the weekend, remember--you are always wearing your letters. Be the example you want others to follow.
